The Painting

Streaming video - 2011

In this award-winning French animated film, three characters escape an unfinished painting in search of their creator.. In this wryly inventive parable, a kingdom within a painting is divided into three castes: the impeccably colored Alldunns, the incomplete Halfies, and the barely outlined Sketchies who are treated as outcasts. Chastised for her forbidden love of the dashing Ramo, Claire runs away into the cursed forest. Ramo and his friends journey after her, crossing over the boundaries of the forest only to arrive at the very edge of the painting – where they tumble through the canvas and into the Painter’s studio.. The abandoned workspace is strewn with paintings, each containing its own vividly animated world and characters – an...d in a feast for both the eyes and the imagination, Ramo, Lola, Quill and Magenta explore picture after picture, in a quest to discover just what the Painter has in mind for his creations.. Nominated for Best Feature at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival, Best Animated Film at the César Awards, and winner of Best Music at Chicago International Children's Film Festival.. "With striking visuals reminiscent of Matisse and Chagall and a refreshingly...grown-up storyline, THE PAINTING is almost reminiscent of, well, a work of art." - Pete Vonder Haar, Village Voice. "Helmer Jean-Francois Laguionie's consistently enjoyable, inventive and beautifully crafted tale is a color riot suitable for all ages." - Boyd van Hoeij, Variety more